“What permaculturalists are doing is the most important activity that any group is doing on the planet. We don’t know what details of a truly sustainable future are going to be like, but we need options, we need people experimenting in all kinds of ways and permaculturalists are one of the critical gangs that are doing that.”

Dr. David Suzuki, geneticist, broadcaster, and international environmental advocate.

For learners in Daycare to PhD programs, very young to senior, all abilities, special interest classes, and specialized staff training or retreat, O.U.R. programs are designed for the full range of learner needs. A beautiful 25 acre Sustainable Living Demonstration Site and Education Center in Shawnigan Lake, BC, is host to your educational program and offers an immersed learning environment with a wide range of hands-on and theoretical learning options.

For over a decade, OUR has hosted large groups and schools programs, ranging from part-day to a one-month accredited degree course….we can craft O.U.R. curriculum to fit with almost all learning objectives. Some schools elect to bring their own particular curriculum and we either host the space or even guest teach with you. There are a number of supervisors who are attached to O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE available to oversee your program, practicum, co-op term, apprenticeship hours (vocational training), or directed studies. Or, if your class wishes to have a crafts day for a special occasion we can bring together a theme that fits with your calendar.

When staying residentially, learners have the option of camping (tent or Yurt), year round indoor dorm space, or even a limited number of private spaces. All meals are cooked onsite and are mostly organic, yummy local foods from O.U.R. Zero Mile Meal Eatery which is outdoors in the summer. Solar showers, composting toilets and shared communal space provides for a deep level of learning for how to live lightly and share resources in an inspiring way.